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July 2, 2026

Georgia’s Bald Eagle Population Continues Strong Growth, DNR Survey Finds

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Georgia’s bald eagle population continues to thrive, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ annual nesting survey, which found nesting success well above long-term averages despite surveying fewer areas than usual this year.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

State Identifies Three Georgia Beaches With Elevated Fecal Bacteria Levels

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Anyone planning a trip to the Georgia coast this summer may want to check beach conditions before heading into the water.

State officials have identified 15 miles of beachfront on Tybee Island, St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island where elevated levels of enterococci, a type of fecal bacteria, have exceeded recreational water quality standards. The affected beach segments have been classified as “not supporting” recreational use under the Clean Water Act.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, enterococci bacteria can originate from wastewater, failing septic systems, stormwater runoff, wildlife, and pet waste. While the bacteria itself is used as an indicator, elevated levels may signal the presence of other disease-causing organisms that can increase the risk of illness for swimmers.

State officials are working to develop cleanup plans for the affected waters, and public comments on those plans are being accepted through July 16. Before visiting Georgia’s beaches, officials recommend checking the latest advisories through the Georgia Healthy Beaches program

June 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

DNR Says Invasive Tegu Lizards Can Be Killed On Sight In Georgia

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Georgia wildlife officials are asking residents to be on the lookout for a large invasive lizard that poses a threat to native wildlife.

June 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Prescribed Burns Helping Native Plants Thrive Across Georgia WMAs

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Wildlife Resources Division biologists with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are seeing positive results from prescribed fire management efforts across several Wildlife Management Areas in the state.

June 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia DNR Says Canada Geese Will Be Temporarily Grounded This Summer

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Canada geese may be more noticeable around neighborhoods, parks, ponds, and other public spaces in Georgia over the next few weeks as the birds go through their summer molting season.

June 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

4-Foot Invasive Lizard Spotted In Georgia, Wildlife Officials Urge Action

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Georgia wildlife officials are warning residents about an invasive lizard species that is spreading across parts of the state and threatening native wildlife.

June 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Recent Rains Bring Much-Needed Drought Relief to Northwest Georgia

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Weeks of steady rainfall have brought encouraging news for Northwest Georgia, helping ease drought conditions that have plagued the region for months.

June 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

National Fishing and Boating Week Returns June 6-14 Across Georgia

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Georgians will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors as National Fishing and Boating Week returns June 6-14, 2026, with special events, educational programs, and two free fishing days offered statewide.

June 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

DNR Proposes Updates To Georgia Protected Species List

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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is proposing updates to the state’s protected species list for the first time since 2006.

The list includes plant and animal species protected under Georgia’s Endangered Wildlife Act and Wildflower Preservation Act. These are species considered most in need of conservation across the state.

State listing makes it illegal to intentionally harm protected animals. It also restricts removing protected plants from state land without a permit, or from private land without the landowner’s permission.

DNR says the proposed updates include adding and removing species, updating scientific names, and aligning some state listings with federal status.

The agency says the changes were developed as part of the 2025 revision of Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan.

The public may also nominate species for consideration through June 30, 2026, using the online nomination form provided by DNR.

Final proposed changes will be made available for public comment before being sent to the Board of Natural Resources for adoption.

June 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Quota Hunt Applications Open Today

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Georgia hunters can begin applying today for a variety of quota hunts through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division.